I had self-image issues and beat the odds of losing 30 pounds with my health condition.

I lost my beautiful dog, Candy, then got my first tattoo for her.

I had the privilege of traveling the country, including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and Dallas.

I attended a pro-sporting event weekly, and most of my teams made it to playoffs!

I dated for the first time since high school and allowed myself to hurt and get hurt.

I found a love for hiking and running in my gorgeous hometown.

I completed my first Tough Mudder in Lake Tahoe.

I got a new dog and still have Suki.

I’m in my second career at age 23, and from this I am humbled because I, the shopaholic, went from having pockets of money to hoping that I can afford groceries next week, but still love my job.

What I’m most grateful for in 2013 is I spent most of my time hanging out with friends and family every single day, making lasting friendships that have carried me through each hardship and through this move to Louisiana. I rekindled old friendships all the way from pre-school, and made new friends who have become my best friends.

There are times in your life when you feel like you can’t hold yourself up, and then there are your people, who will always cheer you on and tell you that you can.

It has been a long time since my last blog post… I miss it and I always tell myself I should post, but never get around to it.

Well here is a quick update:

In October, I put in my two-weeks notice at my Marketing job at Salesforce.com. This means I put behind a top ranked Forbes company, put behind a good living, put behind everything I worked for at Santa Clara University’s business school.

Then, I took a three day road trip more than halfway across the country to West Monroe, Louisiana — home of the Duck Dynasty.

Now, I live here… I left behind my beautiful home in the Bay Area, moved away from my parents and puppies, and I am so far away from my friends. Everything I know and love is still back in California as I try to figure out this insane Southern weather.

Why?

To pursue my dreams as a news reporter.

In front of all that craziness, I accepted a job at the NBC/FOX affilate in Monroe. Now I’m here miserably adjusting to the new culture, but loving my job more than ever. I’m 23 and have found my second career and first love.

Last night, someone snatched my new iPhone 5 from my purse. Needless to say, I was fuming from my ears knowing that there was nothing I could do to get it back.

Here are a few things to take away from my experience.

Back up your phone to the iCloud if you aren’t consistent about plugging your phone into your computer (like myself). Otherwise… your photos and all precious items will not be saved. My 13-year old dog passed away a few weeks ago and all my pictures from her last days are on that phone. I’m so thankful that I put a few of the pictures on Facebook, but otherwise, pardon my french: Back your shit up.

The amazing thing about the iPhone and the iCloud is that all my Contacts and Calendars were automatically saved. Thank you, thank you, thank you Apple.

Without a contract for a 32 gb iPhone 5, it is $750 plus tax. I spent over $800 dollars at the AT&T store today because I did not purchase insurance. It’s $9.99 per month when you initially sign your contract – just do it… I never thought I would lose my phone since I am very careful with my personal items, but sometimes it is out of your control. The additional cost to your monthly phone bill on a 2-year contract makes more financial sense then losing your phone and forking up $800. A replacement with insurance would start at $199 depending on the model. Bottom line: Get insurance.

I tried using “Find My iPhone”, but it’s pointless if the crook knows what he is doing and turns the phone off right away. I even tried leaving a message saying, “Will pay you for my phone and not report you – I just want my pictures back.” Honestly, all I want are my photos of my last few moments with my dog, Candy. Too late for that now. “Find My iPhone”? Cool app, may work for some. For me? Rendered useless.

The iPhone, iCloud, iTunes and all the different ways you can back your data up are incredible technologies. Five stars to Apple. The back-up methods are there, but it is up to you to take precautions.

And finally, I’d like to end by saying… there are worse things in life than losing my phone. At the end of the day, I have to look at the bright side. I was not violently mugged, I still had my wallet, and I had a back-up work phone so that I could still keep in contact with people. #FirstWorldProblem

With that however, stealing is a crime. To all the thieves, you should be ashamed of yourselves. If it’s the money you want, earn it yourself. I work two jobs, 70 hours a week and made every penny to pay for my possessions, iPhone included.

Saturday was one of the most exciting days that I’ve had in a while. Two friends and I participated in Challenge Nation – San Francisco Challenge. For those who are Amazing Race fans and have always wanted to do something similar, Challenge Nation is perfect for you! They call it The Ultimate Urban Scavenger Race for good reason. Teams are given 12 clues, where 11 must be completed. No taxis, cars, bikes, rideshares, skateboards, horses, etc. allowed. When you reach the clue, your entire team needs be in a photograph following clue-specific rules.

Registration was between 11:30 am and 12:45 pm so of course my team arrived promptly at 11:30.

Before the Race

Around 12:55, all the team captains lined up in a circle outside of the start/finish line at Pedro’s Cantina… ironically my favorite sports bar – motivation for me to run back faster for a drink. Each team captain put one hand in the circle, received the clues in an envelope, and ripped the letter open simultaneously when the countdown reached ONE.

Team Captains Lined Up

Getting the Clues!

My teammates ran across the street beforehand to avoid the chaos of 1000 people, so I met them at AT&T Park under one of the ticket counters where we strategized for 30 minutes before starting the hunt. We noticed that some teams started scavenging right away before figuring out all the answers, but they key is to answer all the questions and map out your route. Time is important, and running in circles will not get you in the top 25! Efficiency matters. 😉

Going into this game, my friends and I just wanted to do a fun outdoor activity and we didn’t expect to place! In fact, we didn’t even know there was anything besides the top five winning some money.

…But of course in the right setting, we instantly became competitive. It’s simply the survival of the fittest. GAME ON.

All by foot, we placed 22nd out of over 200 teams, meaning we are now qualified for Challenge Championship in Las Vegas! We completed San Francisco Challenge in 2 hours, 1 minute, and 47 seconds.

At the Finish Line! 22nd Place

What I love most about a race like this is that it not only challenges your fitness, but it also tests your ability to problem-solve, and work as a team. These are three things to feel great about after you have completed your mission.

Here are some of our team photos:

This was our first time doing a challenge like this, but it was so thrilling and fun throughout the entire process. Puts thoughts in my head for the future… What’s next?

On May 11th, my friends and I are joining The Rave Run to raise money for the American National Red Cross. Daily, Red Cross helps our community in need- from blood donations to disaster relief.

Working in the news room, I personally see the contributions of Red Cross every day. When residents have been displaced from their homes after a fire, the Red Cross comes to keep them warm and find them temporary shelter. Every 52 days, I donate blood to make sure that someone out there can get a blood transfusion when they are in need. These efforts would not be possible without organizations like American Red Cross.

It’s our turn to give back and this is the perfect opportunity. Any donation helps! I’d love for you to join us in making a difference.

28 dead. A 20-year-old killed his mother, then massacred Sandy Hook Elementary School killing 20 children and 6 adults, and eventually took his own life.

I’m sure I speak for many when I say my jaw dropped. Instant tears. Heart broken.

Now is a time where we see the world as a whole and how we are all connected. Now is a time for mourning and prayers to all who have lost a loved one. My heart breaks for the children whose innocence are now stripped from them. My tears fall for those whose spirits are broken.

Further down the line, we need to start realizing that the question can’t be ignored. How can we stop this senseless violence?

Where is the love?
“People killin’, people dyin’. Children hurt and you hear them cryin'”

No condolences can ever replace a loved ones life. 😦 I hope that there is more we can do to find justice.

<December 16, 2012>
The names of the victims were released yesterday. Eight boys, twelve girls, six women. All heroes. May each of you rest in peace.